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MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR 

1903-1904. 


J.  A.  POTTS,  President. 

J.  R.  R1PPEY,  Secretary, 


JOHN  W.  HILL,  Vice  President. 

CHAS.  E.  YEATER,  Treasurer. 


SPEECH 

OF 

GOV.  A.  M.  DOCKERY. 


DISINTERESTED  COMMENT. 


DEVELOPMENT  AND  SUCCESS 
OF  THE  INSTITUTION 
NOTED 

BY  THE  PRESS. 


“Although  this  fair  is  an  infant  industry 
already  it  enjoys  a vigorous  and  expanding 
growth.  If  liberally  aided  by  the  state,  as  it 
should  be,  it  will  soon  equal,  if  not  excel,  the 
magnificent  fair  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  This 
fair  deserves  the  fosiering  care,  not  only  of 
the  state  government,  but  alto  of  the  farm- 
ing and  other  great  interests  of  our  common- 
weath.”— (Governor  Dockery’s  Speech,  An- 
nual Exhibition,  1903.) 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 


OF 

MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 


OFFICERS. 

J.  A.  Potts,  President.  Mexico,  Mo. 

John  W.  Hill,  Vice  President Chillicothe,  Mo. 

J.  R.  Rippey,  Secretary .Lancaster,  Mo. 

Chas.  E.  Yeater,  Treasurer Sedalia,  Mo. 


Executive  Committee— Potts,  Hill,  Maitland,  Cole- 
man, Nelson,  Hand,  Hayman. 


EX-OFFICIO  MEMBERS. 


A.  M. 
W.  T. 
H.  J. 


Dockery Governor  of  Missouri. 

Carrington, Superintendent  of  Schools. 

Waters, Dean  of  Agricultural  College. 


DISTRICT  MEMBERS. 


1st  Dist.  Chas.  F.  Afflick,  Maud.  9th  Dist.  J.  A.  Potts,  Mexico. 

2d  Dist.  John  W.  Hill,  Chillicothe  .10th  Dist.  M.B.Greenfelder,  Clayton 
3d  Dist.  Alex  Maitland,  Richmond.  11th  Dist.  N.  J.  Colman,  St.  Louis. 
4th  Dist.  S.  H.  Prather,  Tarkio.  12th  Dist.  W.R.Wilkinson,  St.  Louis 

5th  Dist.W.E.Bryant,  Independence.l3th  Dist.  J.  J.  Conrad,  Marble  Hill. 

6th  Dist.  John  Deerwester,  Butler.  14th  Dist.  F.  J.  Hess,  Charleston. 

7th  Dist.  F.  C.  Hayman  Houstonia.  15th  Dist.  J.  J.  McNatt,  McNatt. 

8th  Dist.  W.  C.  Howell,  Ulman.  16th  Dist.  A.  T.  Nelson,  Lebanon. 


THE  AMERICAN  TROTTER. 


* >, . , 


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SPEECH  OF  GOV.  A.  M.  DOCKERY. 

Delivered  at  Sedalia , Missouri , on  Governor’s 
Day , Wednesday,  the  19th  day  of  August,  1903. 


MR.  CHAIRMAN,  ladies  and  fellow-citizens,  I am 
gratified  to  have  the  opportunity  of  meeting  so  many  of 
the  people  of  Missouri  on  the  occasion  of  the  third  annual 
display  of  the  resources  of  the  state  by  the  Missouri  State 
Fair. 

I have  not  had  the  privilege  of  making  a thorough  ex- 
amination of  the  exhibits,  but  so  far  as  1 have  been  able  to 
observe  th[em,  they  are  creditable  to  the  state,  to  the  Board, 
of  Agriculture,  the  beautiful  city  of  Sedalia  and  to  every 
interest  of  this  attractive  and  progressive  state. 

Although  this  fair  is  an  infant  industry,  already  it 
enjoys  a vigorous  and  expanding  growth.  If  liberally 
aided  by  the  State,  as  it  should  be,  it  will  soon  equal,  if  not 
excel,  the  magnificent  Fair  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  This 
Fair  deserves  the  fostering  care  not  only  of  the  State  Gov- 
ernment, but  also  of  the  farming  and  other  great  interests 
of  our  Commonwealth. 

Missouri  is  a State  of  almost  infinite  resources.  In 
variety  of  climate  and  scope  of  industries,  it  is  unexcelled 
by  any  state  of  the  Republic.  It  is  a matter  of  proud  con- 
gratulation that  among  the  states  and  territories  carved 
out  of  that  vast  domain  known  as  the  Louisiana  Purchase, 
Missouri  is  easily  the  most  opulent  in  resources  and  the 
largest  in  population.  A little  more  than  four  score  years 
ago,  this  sovereign  state  was  admitted  to  the  American 
Union.  At  that  time  primitive  conditions  prevailed— but 
a few  thousand  population,  no  railways,  no  electric  tele- 
graphs or  telephones,  no  phonographs,  none  of  the  later 
inventions  that  have  come  to  bless  mankind  and  accelerate 


a 


the  march  of  civilization.  During  the  period  of  state- 
hood, the  mighty  forces  of  our  industrial  civilization  have 
wrought  a marvelous  transformation.  Missouri  is  now 
checkered  with  a system  of  railways,  comprising  more 
than  seven  thousand  miles,  that  has  no  superior.  In  the 
Southwest,  we  mine  the  zinc  that  supplies  the  demand  of 
half  the  world.  In  the  Southeast  we  have  the  most 
productive  lead  mines  of  the  universe.  Our  agricultural 
and  live  stock  interests  outstrip  those  of  any  other  state. 
In  horticultural  resources  Missouri  leads  every  other  state 
and  the  time  is  rapidly  approaching  when  the  tireless 
spirit  of  our  people  and  the  work  of  the  Fruit  Experi 
mental  Station  down  on  the  Ozark  Range,  will  result  in 
finding  homes  there  for  millions  of  people  engaged  in  hor- 
ticultural pursuits. 

We  have  mines  of  untold  wealth;  farming  resources 
inexhaustible ; developing  cities  with  St.  Louis  on  the  east, 
fifth  in  manufacturing  importance,  and  possessing  more 
wealth  than  the  Colonies  when  the  government  wras  es- 
tablished ; great  waterways ; railways  spanning  our  rivers 
and  tunneling  our  mountains,  with  beautiful  villages  dot- 
ting this  fair  State  like  the  stars  which  stud  the  universal 
dome.  All  these  elements  of  wealth  have  come  to  our 
people  by  reason  of  their  sturdy  manhood ; their  progres- 
sive spirit  and  business  sagacity;  their  large  hearted 
philanthropy,  and  the  Corlis  energy  always  characteristic 
of  Missourians.  But,  my  fellow-citizens,  great  as  have 
been  our  achievements,  the  future  invites  us  to  still  more 
triumphant  conquests.  We  must  continue  to  go  forward 
in  the  line  of  legitimate  and  proper  effort. 

This  fair  is  tremulous  now\  with  the  thrill  of  prosper- 
ity, hut  its  expanding  development  should  he  in  complete 
harmony  with  the  development  of  other  state  institutions , 
and  of  all  our  varied  industries. 

My  fellow-citizens,  I again  desire  to  express  the 


-4- 


pleasure  I feel  at  meeting  so  large  a concourse  of  Mis- 
sourians, but  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  further  stand  in  the 
way  of  the  exercises  of  this  splendid  Fair.  I thought  it 
proper,  howiever,  to  express  my  deep  gratification  at  the 
evidence  of  progress  1 note  on  every  hand.  I desire  to 
promote  the  growth  of  Missouri’s  State  Fair,  and  I appeal 
to  the  people  to  send  representatives  to  the  legislature  who 
will  aid,  so  far  as  the  treasury  situation  will  warrant,  the 
upbuilding  of  this  great  Exposition. 

Missouri’s  State  Exposition  should  grow  with  the 
growth  and  strength  of  all  other  institutions  of  this  proud 
old  Commonwealth. 

Missouri  enjoys  the  distinction  of  having  paid  every 
dollar  of  the  State  debt.  Missouri  also  occupies  the 
enviable  position  of  having  the  largest  cash  capital  school 
fund  and  the  lowest  tax  rate  of  any  American  State.  The 
debt  has  been  paid  under  this  Administration  and  the  tax 
levy  brought  down  to  seventeen  cents  on  the  hundred  dol- 
lars. I am  able  to  make  this  exultant  boast  because  of 
the  frugality  and  wisdom  which  have  characterized  the 
administration  of  our  fiscal  affairs.  These  almost  un- 
exampled feats  in  finance,  however,  suggest  a continuance 
of  the  broad  and  progressive  policies  which  have  made 
this  Commonwealth  pre-eminent  in  the  excellence  of  her 
state  government  and  the  efficiency  of  her  state  institu- 
tions. 

Missouri  is  indeed  a wonderful  state — out  of  debt,  low 
taxes,  progressive  people,  brave  men  and  the  handsomest 
women  on  God’s  footstool  live  in  the  state  of  Missouri* 
{Cheers.)  With  all  these  blessings,  why  not  make  the 
Missouri  State  Fair  the  best  in  the  Union f {Tremeduous 
applause.) 


-5- 


A MODEL  STATE  FAIR. 

[St.  Louis  Republic,  1903.] 

“While  the  animal  Missouri  State  Fair,  which  will  he 
held  this  year  at  Sedalia  on  Angnst  17-22  inclusive,  is  fav- 
orably known  throughout  its  own  state  on  the  general 
ground  of  excellence  in  all  departments,  it  has  a wider 
fame  for  a special  virtue  that  has  not  been  common  to 
fairs. 

‘ ‘ This  virtue  is  found  in  the  fact  that  last  year  con 
cessions  were  absolutely  and  inexorably  refused  to  fakirs, 
to  schemes  of  amusement  and  to  saloons.  No  liquor  was 
allowed  on  the  grounds,  and  intoxicated  and  disorderly 
persons  were  promptly  ejected.  The  interest  of  the  fair 
lay  in  its  exhibits,  which  every  visitor  had  ample  oppor- 
tunity to  study  without  having  his  attention  attracted  by 
fakery  schemes.  Dinner  was  furnished  on  the  grounds 
by  a church  society,  and  a most  excellent  dinner  it  was,  but 
exorbitnat  prices  were  not  permitted. 

“From  the  standpoint  of  gate  receipts,  which  neces- 
sarily is  a vital  consideration,  the  Missouri  State  Fair  of 
1903  was  so  great  a success  as  to  excite  the  wonder  and 
admiration  of  surrounding  states.  A recent  editorial  in 
the  Kansas  Farmer  clearly  voiced  the  sentiment  thus 
aroused.  It  says  in  part:  A clean  State  Fair  is  no  iri- 
descent dream.  It  is  a matter  of  fact.  It  was  accom- 
plished in  1903  right  here  in  the  West,  and  proved  an  edu- 
cational and  financial  success  in  spite  of  extremely  ad- 
verse weather  conditions.  Missouri  has  set  an  example 
for  the  world.  In  spite  of  a most  terrific  wind  and  rain 
storm  on  the  opening  day,  which  destroyed  both  property 
and  animals,  and  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  the  week  closed 
in  a continual  drizzle,  the  people  came  in  such  crowds  on 
the  one  good  day  the  fair  had  that  all  debts  and  premiums 
were  paid  and  cash  left  in  the  treasury.  Some  day  Kan- 
sas will  want  to  hold  a State  Fair  under  the  management 


-6- 


of  state  officials,  and  when  this  time  comes  we  hope  to  see 
the  excellent  example  set  by  Missouri  adopted  as  a model.  ’ 
“This  is  an  enviable  reputation  to  establish,  that  of 
maintaining  an  annual  State  Fair  that  is  really  a fair,  an 
interesting  and  comprehensive  exhibit  of  a great  state’s 
resources,  and  not  simply  the  foundation  for  a gathering 
of  fake  catch-penny  schemes,  and  an  excuse  and  facilitant 
for  drunkenness.  The  example  set  by  the  Missouri  State 
Fair  may  be  well  commended  to  all  other  states  and  the 
world  at  large.  Also,  it  adds  a peculiar  interest  to  this 
year’s  fair  at  Sedalia,  and  should  make  a strong  appeal  to 
many  additional  thousands  who  would  like  to  visit  a State 
Fair  that  makes  a full  and  honest  exhibit  of  state  re- 
sources. ’ ’ 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[The  Rural  World,  1904.] 

The  third  Missouri  State  Fair  has  been  held  and  it 
was  a most  gratifying  success,  not  only  to  the  members 
of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  and  those  of  them  hav- 
ing the  Fair  immediately  in  charge,  but  it  was  equally 
gratifying  to  every  public-spirited  citizen,  who  attended 
the  Fair.  There  was  nothing  but  praise  heard  of  the 
Fair.  No  hostile  criticism  marred  the  occasion.  Every 
one  was  pleased  with  the  exhibits,  with  the  new  buildings, 
and  with  the  management  of  affairs  generally.  Every 
department  was  well  organized  and  ready  for  business 
early  Monday  morning.  Everything  moved  like  clock 
work,  and  when  the  Fair  closed  Saturday  night  nearly  all 
had  received  the  premiums  due  them,  and  departed  for 
their  homes  in  the  best  of  spirits. 

The  Missouri  State  Fair  is  now  thoroughly  establish- 
ed as  one  of  the  permanent  institutions  of  the  State.  Its 
foundation  has  been  laid  deep  and  broad.  It  will  here- 


-7- 


after  draw  into  its  enclosure  the  best  productions  from 
every  section  of  the  State,  whether  it  he  from  the  farm  or 
orchard  or  garden,  from  the  cattle  or  horse,  or  swine,  or 
sheep,  or  poultry  yard,  or  the  dairy,  or  the  mines,  or  fac- 
tory. All  of  these  exhibits  will  he  drawn  together,  so 
that  the  people  of  our  State  and  of  other  states,  and  of 
foreign  lands  can  visit  the  State  Fair,  and  see  the  pro- 
ductions of  the  grandest  State  in  the  Union. 

Other  buildings  are  needed,  such  as  the  dairy  build 
ing,  where  the  processes  of  separating  the  cream  from  the 
milk  by  the  centrifugal  process  immediately  after  milk- 
ing, the  making  of  the  butter,  the  packing  it  ready  for 
market,  and  many  other  things  can  be  carried  on,  under 
the  very  eyes  of  the  visitors.  A magnificent  rotunda  is 
also  needed  for  the  exhibition  of  live  stock,  so  that  cattle 
and  horses  and  sheep  and  goats  and  swine  can  be  led  or 
driven  into  the  arena  and  there  inspected  by  visitors. 
Seats  can  be  erected  around  and  within  the  entire  building 
so  that  ladies  as  well  as  gentlemen  can  see  the  stock  on  ex- 
hibition. Then  whether  it  rains  or  not  the  work  of  judg  • 
ing  the  merits  of  stock  on  exhibition  can  go  on  without  de- 
lay, and  there  is  a delightful  shelter  in  case  of  a storm. 


MISSOURI’S  ANNUAL  STATE  FAIR. 

[Breeder’s  Gazette,  1904.] 

True  to  the  high  standard  set  by  its  management 
when  this  institution  was  created,  the  fourth  Missouri 
State  Fair  held  last  week  at  Sedalia  was  a clean,  whole- 
some, edifying  exhibition,  somewhat  abbreviated  in  the 
live  stock  department,  but  well  balanced  and  high  class. 

It  is  a token  of  the  growth  of  this  four-year-old  fair 
that  the  attendance  on  the  opening  day  was  larger  than  on 
the  corresponding  day  of  any  preceding  year.  Crowds  of 
people  assembled  on  Tuesday,  although  not  in  as  large 


-8- 


AMPHITHEATER  AND  STARTER’S  STAND 


numbers  as  expected,  and  the  turnstiles  on  Wednesday 
registered  devolutions  up  to  anticipations.  On  the  fol 
lowing  day  the  grounds  and  buildings  were  comfortably 
occupied,  the  number  of  admissions  establishing  a new 
record  for  the  Fair.  Buggies,  democrats,  farm  wagons, 
runabouts,  carts  and  surreys,  indicating  the  local  attend- 
ance, covered  two  or  three  acres  of  space  at  the  north  end 
of  the  grounds,  constituting  a comprehensive  as  well  as  gi- 
gantic vehicle  display,  and  the  horses  associated  with  this 
uncatalogued  exhibit  also  emphasized  the  idea  of  an  ag- 
ricultural fair.  Level  roads  in  the  prairie  country  of 
Central  Missouri  are  used  quite  generally  at  fair  time  by 
farmers  living  within  a radius  of  thirty  miles  surrounding 
Sedalia.  But  the  Missouri  Pacific  and  Missouri,  Kansas 
& Texas  ralroads  contributed  hundreds  of  visitors  and 
exhibits  from  all  sections  of  the  State  and  thus  gave 
the  fair  a State-wide  aspect  which  was  necessary  to  bal- 
ance the  strong  local  characteristics. 

Since  last  year’s  show  the  equipment  has  been  aug- 
mented and  the  grounds  further  adorned  by  the  erection 
of  three  barns  used  for  housing  horses  and  cattle.  These 
buildings  have  thick  brick  walls  on  stone  foundations  and 
steel  trusses  which  support  tile  roofs  and  are  provided 
with  four  rows  of  stalls,  there  being  a number  of  box 
stalls  in  each.  In  their  architectural  appearance,  sani- 
tary arrangement  and  stability,  these  fire-proof  structures, 
each  100x200  feet,  are  models.  They  comport  nicely  with 
the  substantial  type  and  pleasing  syle  of  buildings  among 
which  they  are  situated.  Each  has  a capacity  for  about 
150  animals  and  cost  $10,000.  Shortly  after  the  fair  last 
year  five  of  the  seven  frame  barns  for  cattle  and  horses 
were  destroyed  by  fire,  entailing  a loss  of  $20,000,  though 
$6,000  was  recovered  in  insurance.  These  were  admirable 
buildings  for  the  purpose  but  the  new  ones  are  incom- 
parably better  in  every  respect,  being  cooler  and  drier  and 
absolutely  fire-proof.  Experience  teaches ; the  fire 


—9— 


taught  the  management  to  build  against  this  destructive 
foe  of  combustible  material. 

Another  improvement  made  since  last  season  is  an 
addition  to  the  grand  stand,  the  capacity  of  which  has  been 
doubled.  It  is  now  240  feet  long  and  the  extension,  which 
cost  $10,000,  is  made  of  the  same  kind  of  material  utilized 
in  the  original  structure.  It  has  a heavy  steel  frame, 
a corrugated  iron  roof  and  seats  made  of  heavy  planed 
lumber,  and  its  pillars  rest  on  concrete  bases.  Its  seat- 
ing capacity  is  about  20,000,  and  there  is  not  a more  com- 
fortable or  substantial  grand  stand  to  be  found. 

Further  building  improvements  are  contemplated  for 
next  year.  Two  or  three  barns  exactly  like  those  com- 
pleted this  year,  and  a judging  pavilion,  which  is  perhaps 
the  most  vital  need  of  the  Fair,  will  be  built  if  ample 
funds  are  secured.  With  the  exception  of  sheep  and 
hogs  the  stock  judging  was  done  in  the  barns  and  out- 
doors this  year,  not  even  a tent  being  provided,  but  as  the 
classes  were  small  and  the  showers  intermittent  the  job 
was  completed  without  serious  difficulty  or  inconvenience. 
If  the  pavilion  in  view  be  erected  judging  in  future  at  Se- 
dalia  will  be  entirely  free  from  those  objections  to  which 
such  work  is  open  when  performed  outdoors  or  in  a tent. 

It  is  also  proposed  to  convert  the  two  frame  barns 
which  escaped  the  fire  into  a machinery  hall  to  provide 
for  the  irnt  I nmnt  and  machinery  manufacturers  who  have 
heretofore  been  scant  and  reluctant  exhibitors  at  Sedalia. 
Although  the  exhibits  in  this  line  have  always  been  num- 
erous and  varied,  they  would  be  immeasurably  larger  if 
there  were  suitable  buildings  in  which  to  protect  them 
from  rain  and  sun. 

Another  addition  to  the  grand  stand  also  is  in  pros- 
pect, and  the  Missouri  State  building  at  the  World’s  Fair 
will  probably  be  transferred  to  the  grounds,  and  devoted 
to  some  overflowing  department.  In  a word,  it  is  the  in- 


- 10  - 


Missouri  State  Fair. 

1903-1904. 


Speech  of  Governor  A.  M.  Dockery. 


tention  of  the  progressive  management  to  continue  the 
steady,  substantial  growth,  which  has  characterized  the 
fair  from  the  outset.  No  State  Fair  has  better,  more  at- 
tractive or  more  permanent  buildings  than  those  of  the 
Missouri  Fair  at  Sedalia.  Missourians  build  for  the  fu- 
ture. This  is  a Southern  trait.  It  is  worth  emulating 
where  the  temperature  is  lower. 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[ The  Breeder’s  Gazette,  1903.1 

Larger,  Better  and  Growing  are  the  expressive 
words  which  may  be  employed  in  concretely  stating  what 
visitors  thought  of  Missouri’s  third  annual  State  Fair  on 
their  arrival  at  the  grounds  last  wteek.  Pleased  and  com- 
ing again  with  neighbors  is  the  infectious  sentiment  which 
they  took  home. 

Last  year  the  usual  answer  which  an  enterprising 
Missourian  received  to  the  oft-put  question:  “Are  you 
going  to  the  State  Fair?”  wias : “Where  and  when  is  it?” 
A twelve-month  has  made  that  answer  to  read : “I  hope 
to  be  there  at  least  one  day.  ’ ’ In  another  year  the  reply 
doubtless  will  he  more  committal  and  satisfactory  to  those 
who  projected  this  institution  and  have  made  it  in  an  al- 
most increditable  short  space  of  time  one  of  the  leading 
educational  forces  of  the’  great  country  within  its  sphere 
of  influence.  For  several  weeks  preceding  the  opening  of 
the  fair  talk  of  attending  it  became  common  in  both  rural 
and  urban  circles,  and  the  result  of  this  very  offective  ad- 
vertising was  apparent  in  a very  healthy  attendance  from 
the  second  day  until  the  close.  Ample  evidence  was  fur- 
nished this  year  that  the  Missouri  public  is  learning  to 
appreciate  the  Fair  and  intend  to  stand  loyally  by  it.  Ex- 
pression of  this  wholesome  sentiment  was  given  through 
the  legislature  last  spring,  when  a hill  was  passed  appro- 


-11- 


priating  $75,000  for  the  erection  of  buildings  on  the  Fair 
grounds.  Fearing  that  the  revenue  of  the  State  would 
not  justify  the  entire  appropriation  Governor  Dockery 
signed  the  bill  on  the  condition  that  $25,000  be  deducted 
in  case  the  revenue  failed  to  reach  the  proper  figure.  The 
indications  are  that  this  amount  will  not  be  deducted. 
About  $70,000  has  been  spent  this  year  for  improvements 
in  the  way  of  buildings.  The  Poultry  Palace  (54x120 
feet)  containing  1,100  coops,  Agricultural  Hall  (86x161 
feet),  Horticultural  Hall  (86x168  feet)  and  two  cattle 
barns  are  the  prominent  acquisitions  made  to  the  grounds 
since  the  Fair  last  year.  Work  did  not  begin  on  these 
handsome  structures  until  late  in  the  spring,  yet  all  are 
completed  except  the  Horticultural  Hall,  the  floor  of  which 
has  not  been  provided  and  considerable  exterior  finishing 
work  remains  to  be  done.  For  the  purposes  intended  it 
would  be  difficult  to  suggest  improvements  in  these  splen- 
did exhibit  repositories.  With  the  exception  of  the  two 
cattle  barns  which  are  uniform  in  size  and  finish  with  the 
first  ones  erected,  the  new  buildings  have  substantial  brick 
walls  and  concrete  floors  and  are  covered  with  steel  plate. 
They  are,  therefore,  practically  fire-proof.  In  architect- 
ural design  they  are  pleasing  to  the  artistic  eye.  The 
architect  who  had  charge  of  the  building  operations  in 
their  entirety  is  entitled  to  much  credit  for  the  despatch, 
thoroughness  and  economy  with  which  he  prosecuted  the 
work  and  for  the  general  satisfaction  which  the  completed 
job  has  given.  The  new  buildings  give  an  inviting  eye- 
catching appearance  to  the  beautiful  grounds  and  will 
stand  as  useful  monuments  to  the  energy  and  sagacity  of 
the  management,  and  others  connected  with  and  interested 
in  the  Missouri  State  Fair. 

If  the  Fair  continues  to  grow  as  rapidly  and  substanti- 
ally as  it  has  grown  since  its  establishment  three  years 
ago  a decade  hence  will  find  it  possessed  of  a power  and 
prestige  which  other  State  Fairs  have  required  a quarter 


—12— 


of  a century  or  more  to  attain.  One  of  the  greatest  pres- 
ent needs  of  the  Fair  is  a live  stock  judging  pavilion.  The 
Board  knows  what  kind  of  a building  is  required  and 
whenever  the  necessary  funds  can  he  secured  it  will  he 
erected.  It  is  the  policy  of  the  management  not  to  build 
at  all  unless  it  can  build  well.  All  the  buildings  thus  far 
put  up  are  substantial  and  durable  and  next  to  models 
of  convenience.  Permanent  buildings  make  a permanent 
State  Fair  and  this  is  what  Missouri  farmers  and  stock 
men  are  evolving. 

The  Board’s  commendable  desire  to  give  the  people 
a clean,  wholesome  fair  was  fully  gratified  this  year.  They 
were  no  wholly  objectionable  shows  or  devices  on  the 
grounds.  The  brazen  fakes  of  various  kinds  which  are  too 
common  at  some  State  Fairs  were  conspicuous  by  their 
absence  and  anybody,  man  or  woman,  boy  or  girl,  could  in- 
spect anything  on  exhibition  with  confidence  that  it  was 
all  right.  Not  a drop  of  intoxicating  liquor  was  sold  in- 
side the  gates.  The  dignified  character  of  the  Fair  re- 
flects the  dignified  high  moral  character  of  its  leading 
officials.  The  Directors  believe  that  a clean  Fair  will 
prosper  and  grow  and  they  have  convincingly  demon- 
strated their  sound  theory.  It  is  not  the  object  of  the 
Missouri  State  Fair,  according  to  their  utterances,  to 
make  a great  deal  of  money  rapidly,  so  as  to  increase  its 
equipment  more  speedily  and  thus  attain  a cheap  and  un- 
dignified notoriety.  They  contend  that  a Fair  conducted 
on  what  some  peple  call  the  “ Sunday  school  plan”  will 
ultimately  make  money  and  at  the  same  time  maintain 
a reputation  for  cleanliness  and  wholesomeness,  which  ev- 
ery fair  should  try  to  establish.  Missourians  may  justly 
feel  proud  of  the  fact  that  no  State  ever  had  a cleaner 
Fair  than  theirs  and  that  no  institution  of  the  kind  has 
grown  more  rapidly  or  more  deservedly  than  the  one 
which  they  have  fostered  and  should  continue  to  aid  with 


-13- 


their  money.  Such  a fair  merits  their  active  and  per- 
sistent encouragement  and  support. 

Perfect  order  and  frictionless  management  character- 
ized the  Fair  from  the  first  day  until  the  last.  Competent 
superintendents  and  assistants  in  all  departments  were 
thoroughly  organized  and  the  annoying  experiences  which 
some  exhibitors  and  concessionaries  had  last  year  were 
impossible  under  the  systematic  management  of  affairs 
which  prevailed  this  year. 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[The  Farmer  and  Stockman.] 

The  Missouri  State  Fair,  held  at  Sedalia  last  week, 
was  a grand  success.  The  weather  was  perfect,  exhibits 
larger  than  ever  before  and  the  attendance  was  all  that 
could  have  been  expected.  It  must  have  been  gratifying 
to  the  State  Fair  management  and  as  well  to  all  who  have 
the  State  Fair  interests  at  heart  to  hear  from  visitors 
the  unanimous  expressions  of  surprise  and  satisfaction  of 
seeing  the  Fair  so  well  developed  in  such  a short  time. 
With  a hundred  flags  flying  to  the  breeze  from  staffs  sur- 
mounting the  magnificent  group  of  exhibition  buildings 
Missouri ’s  third  State  Fair  was  opened  on  Monday  morn- 
ing, August  17th,  under  most  favorable  auspices.  The 
clean  record  of  the  two  previous  years  made  many  friends 
for  the  fair  both  among  exhibitors  and  with  the  public. 
This  condition  of  affairs  had  done  much  to  make  every  one 
friendly  and  the  results  of  right  principles  adhered  to 
were  shown  in  the  vastly  increased  exhibits  and  corre- 
spondingly larger  attendance.  Thanks  to  the  untiring 
efforts  of  the  Missouri  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  the 
improved  stock  breeders  of  the  state  and  those  who  sup- 
ported the  fair  interests  in  the  legislature,  Missouri  has 
finally  a State  Fair  worthy  the  name  and  Missouri  farm- 
ers and  stockmen  may  hereafter  hold  up  their  heads  and 


—14— 


feel  a commendable  sense  of  pride  in  what  their  State 
Fair  is  and  promises  to  be.  The  state  appropriations 
for  the  Fair  were  hard  to  get,  and  comparatively  speak- 
ing, meager  in  amount.  The  funds  thus  suppplied  have 
been  wisely  and  most  economically  used  and  it  is  doubtful 
if  any  State  Fair  in  the  country  can  show  as  well  improved 
grounds  for  the  money  expended.  Adaptability,  practical 
arrangement  and  modern  ideas  are  combined  in  both  the 
arrangement  and  construction  of  exhibition  buildings, 
bams,  etc.  The  grouping  of  these  and  style  of  archi- 
tecture have  been  well  planned  and  the  whole  presents  a 
picture  pleasing  to  the  eye  and  equally  satisfactory  to  the 
mind  of  the  investigator  who  studies  things  from  the 
standpoint  of  practical  utility.  Since  last  year  an  expo- 
sition hall,  agricultural  hall,  poultry  hall  and  several 
stock  barns  have  been  erected.  They  are  mostly  of  stone, 
brick  and  steel  constructed  with  granitoid  floors  and  for 
light  and  ventilation  could  not  well  be  improved.  The 
live  stock  exhibits  were  larger  and  better  than  ever  before. 
The  large  and  exceptionally  good  poultry  exhibit  occupied 
the  new  poultry  building,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
best  in  the  country.  Missouri’s  poultry  interests  are, 
however,  of  such  voluminous  proportions  that  the  ca- 
pacity of  exhibition  room  Was  almost  taxed  to  the  limit. 
The  agricultural  hall  was  not  fully  completed,  but  an- 
swered every  purpose.  It  is  a grand  building  and  by  the 
time  for  another  fair  it  is  hoped  that  an  agricultural  ex- 
hibit will  be  installed  which  will  be  a credit  to  Missouri 
farms  and  farmers.  Nowhere  are  live  stock  exhibitors 
treated  with  greater  consideration  and  fairness,  and  that 
this  policy  of  the  management  has  been  appreciated  is 
shown  by  the  increased  number  of  exhibitors  with  each 
year’s  Fair.  Those  who  attended  last  week  had  an  op- 
portunity to  see  the  best  cattle,  hordes,  mules,  hogs,  sheep, 
etc.,  of  the  different  breeds  and  the  exhibition  rings  fur- 
nished a series  of  close  contests,  both  interesting  and  in- 


—15— 


structive.  The  management  deserve  much  praise  for 
their  tireless  and  unselfish  work  and  devotion  to  the  State 
Fair  and  are  deserving  of  the  hearty  co-operation  and 
support  of  every  citizen  of  the  state. 

The  State  Fair  is  the  sign  hoard  advertising  to  the 
world  the  state’s  possibilities  and  resources  and  through 
this  medium  Missouri  farmers  can  do  much  to  advance 
their  ovfn  interests  both  educationally  and  materially. 

Wednesday,  Governor  Dockery  visited  the  Fair  and 
we  imagine  after  seeing  the  buildings,  viewing  the  parade 
of  live  stock  and  observing  the  broad  and  solid  foundation 
upon  which  the  Fair  has  been  builded,  ho  must  have 
thought  is  marvelous  how  so  much  could  have  been  done 
with  such  meager  financial  support  from  the  state. 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[The  Farmer  and  Stockman.] 

The  1904  fair  circuit  was  opened  last  week  at  Sedalia, 
Mo.,  at  which  time  the  people  were  given  an  opportunity 
to  witness  one  of  the  cleanest,  most  up-to-date  fairs  that 
will  be  held  during  the  season.  Most  of  our  readers  are 
aware  that  fire  visited  the  State  Fair  grounds  last  year 
sweeping  away  the  cattle  and  horse  barns,  but  this  year 
finds  them  replaced  by  mammoth  brick  structures  with 
metal  roofs.  These  new  buildings  were  paid  many  compli- 
mlents  by  stockmen  generally,  as  well  as  visitors,  on  ac- 
count of  their  beauty  and  adaptation  to  the  purpose  for 
which  they  were  erected.  The  State  Fair  management  cer- 
tainly are  deserving  of  much  credit  for  the  wisdom  they 
have  shown  in  building  matters.  In  addition  to  the  new 
barns  a large  poultry  house  with  a granitoid  floor  has  been 
erected  during  the  year,  and  permanent  coops  placed  for 
the  display  of  4,000  birds.  This  building  also  seems  well- 
nigh  perfectly  designed  in  the  way  of  ventilation,  lighting 
and  convenience  generally  for  the  display  of  fowls. 


-16- 


POULTRY  PALACE 


Though  tender  in  years  the  Missouri  State  Fair  has  cer- 
tainly started  out  upon  a high  plane,  and  in  many  respects 
long  established  State  Fairs  can  derive  lessons  of  import- 
ance from  this  babe  in  swaddling  clothes. 


MISSOURI’S  GREATEST  FAIR. 

i [The  Kansas  Farmer.] 

The  State  Fair  of  Missouri  is  an  unqualified  success. 
A magnificent  showing  of  live  stock,  agricultural  products, 
farm  implements  and  everything  necessary  to  make  a suc- 
cessful Fair  combined  with  the  splendid  Leather  of  the 
week,  and  the  very  efficient  management  made  Missouri’s 
third  State  Fair  an  exhibition  to  be  proud  of.  Since  last 
year  many  improvements  have  been  made  in  both  build- 
ings and  grounds.  Twlo  large  brick  buildings  of  hand- 
some design  and  costing  $25,000  each  have  been  erected 
for  the  agricultural  and  horticultural  displays.  A third 
brick  building  costing  $13,000  has  been  completed  and  is 
now  the  home  of  the  poultry  exhibit.  Two  large  additional 
cattle  barns  costing  $4,000  each  have  been  completed  and 
are  now  occupied.  These  buildings  are  all  modern  in  de- 
sign and  perfectly  adapted  to  the  uses  to  which  they  are 
put.  Many  needed  improvements  in  the  way  of  walks 
and  drives  have  been  placed  about  the  grounds,  and  the 
State  Fair  is  assuming  a permanency  and  magnitude 
which  is  not  only  a credit  to  the  state  but  which  will  serve 
as  an  example  for  the  emulation  of  other  states.  About 
$70,000  has  been  expended  in  the  year  in 
the  way  of  permanent  improvements  and  the  results 
accomplished  show  an  economy  in  management 
that  is  very  creditable.  The  Fair  this  year 
was  especially  strong  in  live  stock,  and  the  barns 
quartered  more  stock  of  all  breeds  this  year  than  ever  be- 
fore. Not  only  is  this  true,  but  the  quality  was  of  the 


— 17— 


best,  and  many  prize-winning  herds  met  here  for  the  pre- 
liminary contest  of  the  State  Fair  circuit. 

Too  much  cannot  be  said  abont  one  feature  of  the  Mis- 
souri State  Fair  which  makes  it  conspicuous  among  State 
Fairs.  This  is  the  entire  absence  of  fakirs,  grafters  and 
entertainments  of  questionable  morality.  Nothing  of  the 
sort  was  allowed  on  the  grounds,  and  the  police  service 
was  of  such  quality  that  the  visitor  could  enjoy  the  ex- 
hibits of  the  resources  of  this  great  state  to  the  full  with- 
out any  disagreeable  interruptions.  It  has  long  been 
claimed  that  it  is  impossible  to  make  a financial  success  of 
a fair  without  the  admission  of  these  questionable  enter- 
tainments, and  yet  Missouri  set  an  example  to  the  world 
last  year  by  doing  that  very  thing  and  has  repeated  it 
with  emphasis  this  year. 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[.Kansas  Farmer.] 

For  the  fourth  timie,  the  Missouri  State  Fair  was 
opened  to  the  public,  and  Monday,  August  15,  showed  all 
of  the  numerous  exhibits  in  place.  This  State  institution 
stands  out  conspicuous  among  its  kind  because  it  is  ab- 
solutely free  from  the  disagreeable  features  which  too  of- 
ten characterize  State  Fairs  and  other  expositions.  There 
were  no  grafters  or  fakirs  of  any  kind  on  the  grounds. 
Disreputable  and  immoral  side  shows  are  never  allowed 
here.  There  were  no  bookmakers  and  no  betting  on  the 
races.  Intoxicating  liquors  were  conspicuous  by  their 
absence,  and  the  Missouri  State  Fair  was  a clean  Fair. 


THE  MISSOURI  STATE  FAIR. 

[Wallace’s  Farmer.] 

The  Missouri  State  Fair,  held  at  Sedalia  last  week, 
was  the  most  successful  of  any  that  has  been  held  at  that 


-18- 


place,  or  since  the  fair  became  a state  institution,  three 
years  ago.  The  weather  was  propitious  and  the  crowd 
and  receipts  were  in  excess  of  last  year.  The  splendid  new 
brick  exhibition  halls  and  other  improvements  over  last 
year  show  that  the  Missouri  State  Fair  is  under  a progres- 
sive management  and  that  the  limited  funds  at  their  com- 
mand from  the  state  has  been  wisely  spent.  The  new 
brick  buildings  consist  of  the  poultry  building  with  coops 
for  4,000  birds,  and  which  were  w'ell  tilled;  Agricultural 
Hall,  86  by  164  feet,  and  the  Horticultural  Building,  80  by 
160  feet.  Besides  these  are  two  new  cattle  barns  with  a 
capacity  of  one  hundred  animals  each.  On  account  of  the 
limited  time  since  receiving  the  appropriation  it  was  im- 
possible to  secure  the  material  and  complete  the  grand 
stand  in  time  for  the  fair  this  year.  From  the  start  the 
Fair  has  been  kept  free  from  objectionable  shows  and 
fakirs.  It  has  been  running  three  years  now  without  these 
questionable  attractions  yet  the  receipts  are  ample,  and 
the  crowd  grows  larger  each  year.  No  one 

will  appreciate  a clean  Fair  more  than  the 

farmers  themselves,  who  will  much  prefer 
to  attend  a Fair  with  their  children  where  their 
morals  as  well  as  their  pocketbooks  will  not  suffer  on  ac- 
count of  fakirs,  gamblers  and  questionable  attractions, 
such  as  were  once  permitted  at  State  Fairs,  apparently 
without  restriction,  and  are  now  to  some  extent  at  county 
fairs.  Much  credit  is  due  to  the  management  that  is  mak- 
ing for  Missouri,  “imperial  mistress  of  states,’’  a State 
Fair  of  which  Missourians  can  be  justly  proud. 


State  Fair  Proves  a Record-Breaker. 

[St.  Louis  Star.] 

There  is  no  gainsaying  the  fact  that  the  State  Fair 
thus  far  has  proved  a success  beyond  all  expectations  of 


—19— 


its  promoters.  Sedalia  never  has  held  such  crowds  as 
have  come  to  the  city  within  the  past  four  days. 


STATE  FAIR  A SUCCESS. 

[.Exchange.] 

With  its  third  annual  exhibition,  the  Missouri  State 
Fair  is  a proven  success,  and  already  ranks  among  the 
best  in  the  United  State. 

The  Fair  which  closed  yesterday  was  a most  agree- 
able surprise  to  thousands  of  people  who  came  to  see  it. 

The  unanimous  verdict,  the  displays  in  the  several 
departments  are  pronounced  the  best  ever  seen  in  the 
West,  and  the  large  attendance  proves  that  the  people  of 
the  state  approve  of  the  establishment  and  maintenance, 
under  state  control,  of  an  annual  exhibition  of  Missouri 
products. 

With  one  accord,  the  officers  of  the  State  Fair  are 
congratulated  upon  the  wisdom,  fairness  and  enterprise 
they  have  displayed  in  the  management,  and  with  a little 
more  generous  equipment  the  Missouri  State  Fair  will 
sron  become  decidedly  the  best  in  the  Union. 

The  decorum  and  good  order  both  on  the  grounds  and 
downtown  in  the  evening  was  the  highest  testimonial  to 
the  culture  and  good  breeding  of  the  people  of  Missouri. 
Even  in  the  crush  of  “big  Thursday, ” they  were  ladies 
and  gentlemen  at  all  times— courteous,  polite  and  good- 
humored. 

Nothing  should  interfere  with  the  annual  exhibition 
of  Missouri  products  and  the  annual  gathering  of  Mis- 
souri people. 


[Modern  Farmer,  St.  Joseph,  Mo.] 

“Our  Fair  will  be  clean  this  year,”  is  what  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Illinois  State  Fair  association  writes  to  the 


-20- 


Breeders  ’ Gazette.  Good !. . We  arfe  making  progress,  the  . 
fakir  and  the  drunkard-maker  mdst  go;  Who  wifi  be;  ; 
ndstS  erlt-iSi  an  -insult  to  the  farmers  to  announce/  an 
agricultural  :sliow,  and  then  fill  up  the  grounds  with  sa-> ; 
loons,  fakirs^and  all  kinds- of  disgraceful  :setni-nude  shows-. ; \ 
Just  as  though  lie  and  his  wife  and  children  were  only 
capable  of  enjoying  the  filthy  debaucheries  which  charac- 
terize so  many  agricultural  fairs.  Good  for  Illinois.  Mis- 
souri welcomes  her  into  the-  Thhksk)f  the*'  clean  fair  states. 
What  State  Fair  will.be  next  to, banish  all  this  filthy  and 
disgusting  debauchery  from  its  fair  ^ grounds  ? 

• ■ I • i - m •:  ;•  . ■ 

GREAT  POULTRY  SHOW. 

,[  LUuralis^t.) 

in  the  estimation : of  experienced  poultry ; raisers  who 
have  been  regular  attendants  .at  the  big  poultry  shows 
throughout  the  country  for  r years,  the  poultry,  exhibit  at 
Missouri  State  Fair  last  week  ,Wa$  >o$§;  of  the  largest  and 
best  ever  * held  in;  the-  West  both  in  numbers  t and;. quality. 
Besides  displays  from  all  over  this  state?  extensive,  ex- 
hibits were  present  from  Wisconsin,  Nebraska  and  Okla- 
homa. 


LRurali$ttJ  ; ■ 

Among  the.  improvements  most  urgently  needed,  on 
Missouri  State  Fair  grounds  is  a Dairy  building.  There  is 
no  reason  why  Missouri  should  not  rapidly  assume  first 
rank  among  the  great  dairy  states  she  has  the  grass, 
feed,  waterr  climate,  unsurpassed  market  facilities,  the 
cows,  and  her  people  are  intelligent  and  progressive.  All 
that  is  needed  is  thorough  agitation  of  the  benefits  to  ac- 
crue and  proper  encouragement. 


M.  E.  CHURCH  SOUTH  ENDORSES  STATE  FAIR  MANAGEMENT 


The  Southwest  Missouri  ■Conference  of  the  M.  E. 


—21— 


Church,  South,  in  annual  session,  1903,  Bishop  Galloway, 
presiding,  adopted  the  following  resolution: 

We  most  heartily  commend  and  endorse  the  firm  and 
resolute  stand  taken  by  the  State  Fair  Board  in  excluding 
from  the  State  Fair  grounds  the  sale  and  use  of  all  intoxi- 
cants, gambling  and  immoral  devices. 


W.  C.  T.  U.  ENDORSEMENT. 

Holden,  Mo.,  September  24,  ’03. 

We,  the  wives,  mothers  and  daughters  of  Johnson, 
Cass  and  Pettis  counties,  in  convention  assembled,  do 
most  heartily  endorse  the  resolute  stand  taken  by  the 
State  Fair  Board  in  enforcing  the  law  which  forbids  the 
sale  of  intoxicants  on  the  State  Fair  ground,  and  ex- 
cluding gambling  devices  and  immoral  show's ; thus  mak- 
ing the  State  Fair  a safe  place  for  whole  families  to  visit, 
without  fear  of  contaminating  influences. 

Adopted  at  Holden  W.  C.  T.  U.  District  Convention 
September  24th,  1903. 

MRS.  ALICE  BRADLEY,  Secretary. 


ENDORSE  STATE  FAIR. 

At  a regular  meeting  of  the  Ministerial  Alliance,  of 
Sedalia,  Monday  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  unanimous  vote : 

66 Resolved  that  the  Ministers’  Alliance,  of  Sedalia, 
Mo.,  hereby  expresses  its  high  appreciation  of  the  man- 
agement of  the  State  Fair,  held  in  our  city  August  17-22. 
It  was  clean,  orderly  and  devoid  of  any  objectionable 
features.  We  congratulate  the  mayor  of  the  city,  police 
force  and  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  State  Fair  upon 
the  success  attending  their  efforts  in  behalf  of  good  order 
and  general  morality  at  the  grounds  and  in  our  city.  ’ ’ 


-22 


AGRICULTURAL  HALL. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBAN  A 
630.6  M69S  C001  r> 

Speech  of  Gov.  A.  M.  Dockery  dlsinteres  | > 


0112  088669533 


